Another bar question for limited bars

It's more common to have a cocktail hour with one or two signature drinks, which would provide the need for alcohol besides beer and wine. As a guest, I prefer this set-up. It allows me to have a few cocktails before the reception, then the rest of the evening I can drink water and wine.

I'm very against cash bars, both as a guest and a host. Guests don't expect to pay for drinks when they attend a wedding, and will more thank likely not bring cash for a cash bar. As a host, I wouldn't let my guests pay for anything. I'm hosting, therefore I should pay. If having liquor served during the reception isn't within my budget, then I will only serve beer and wine.

If you're having a cocktail hour, then I suggest having one or two cocktails offered then, and for the reception bar only have beer and wine stocked! Do what works best with your budget!

The consensus on WW is never ever ask guests to pay for anything at the reception. Only serve what you can afford and skip the rest.


Cut back on other expenses to have more money available. Skip favors/programs/disposable cameras/photo booths/signs/expensive bridesmaid gifts, only have VIP guests instead of obligatory, stick to one dress (instead of adding a reception dress plus 3 alternate dresses that you fell out of love with), use fiftyflowers.com and led candles instead of silks and expensive florists. Get a grocery store cake instead a dessert table. Have ceremony and reception at the same venue. Use a GoPro for videography. Cut wedding party down to 2-3 max on each side. Go to Costco.com or annsbridalbargains.com for invites. Rent everything instead of purchasing. Use restaurant catering instead of a wedding caterer. Skip the champagne.

View Quoted Comment I agree with everything Shelly said! The signature cocktails are a great idea. I also wouldn't want guests to have to open their wallets at all while at the wedding, so if signature cocktails aren't able to be offered, and a full bar is out of the budget, I would offer just beer and wine.

I feel like if they have to pay for drinks anyway, then they may as well have the option to pay for mixed drinks. i definitely prefer mixed drinks over wine and beer.

but i do agree with PP suggestion, it would be nice to at least have something free whether it's only certain drinks or a limited time frame

I would choose to only offer beer and wine (plus the signature cocktail as suggested if possible).

Nope, guests should never be expected to pay for anything at the wedding reception. I would definitely recommend just having the bar serve wine and beer only and not even offering anything else as an option if it's not in your budget. Choosing to serve wine and beer only is perfectly acceptable.

If those are the only options, I would just offer beer and wine. Needing to pay for some drinks and not others is confusing to guests. Plus still comes across as being a cash bar (even though you’re paying for a lot of it), and it makes it weird when grabbing a drink for a friend etc.

Make sure you have a variety of free nonalcoholic beverages..beyond sodas and water.. for those who don't like beer or wine.

I don't think guest should have to pay for anything at a wedding. So only serve what you are willing to pay for and just make sure there is a little variety.

I'm always the unpopular opinion when it comes to cash bars. I have never been to a wedding with an open bar so I have no problem paying for drinks at a wedding. My circle and family are under the idea that as long as you give them nonalcoholic beverages you don't have to provide alcohol. This is how all our gatherings are held (not just weddings). I know people will call me tacky or that it's rude but that is how I was raised and 99% of my (and my FHs) friends and family are the same.

If I was a guest at your wedding, I'd much rather pay for a drink I like than be limited to a select amount of drinks. It's your wedding. Having something for free is nice. The only thing I would say is to agree with the signature cocktails just so people don't feel it's unfair because they don't drink wine and beer.

Stick with the beer and wine. It will be much easier and less confusion with partial cash bar.

View Quoted Comment This is great advice! I had no idea Costco had invitations. Thank you for sharing all of those tips.